This one's more than a little one-sided... the only charge made against Republicans is that "some" Republican elected leaders require their staff to read books by some atheist authors, notably, Ayn Rand.

If this were truly the only objection some on the left have regarding the Christianity practiced by politicians on the right I would simply point to what Jesus said: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." [Matt 1-:16].

How can anyone be "wise" in threatening situations-- argumentatively speaking, figurative or literal --if one isn't at least knowledgeable of the devices, tactics, and philosophies employed by the enemy-- how he thinks in a general sense --if one doesn't read and understand the works of, and ideas about, those who believe differently? Asking ones staff to at least read works like Atlas Shrugged, is hardly a legitimate complaint against such a one's faith. But as I said, the article is one-sided... not enough balance is given to the Democrat point of view.

The works of atheist authors, for the Christian, are tools rather than maps for personal spiritual growth... by all means, read what you can, learn from what you read, and use that knowledge to combat the enemy. Satan uses scripture against the saved, should not the saved also understand their scriptures? One can successfully defend the faith without dipping into the works of unbelievers, but you can't convert a Jehovah's Witness unless you know what he believes, and know how to combat his beliefs with the genuine truth of the gospel. Being Christian doesn't mean stepping into a gunfight armed only with a knife. Miracles are very real, but good preparation and training are worth their weight in gold.